> it killed my reading for a couple of years

I think it's important to acknowledge that reading books is a more active exercise than consuming other creative media (e.g. films, music, art). In a way, readers and writers are equal partners in the creation of their fiction. A bad book can really knock you out of a great habit.

I studied English up to master's level, and I've gone years without picking up a book. For a while, I saw it as an academic exercise, and it took some time for the joy to come back.

Just skimmed the first few pages of At Swim-Two-Birds. Not sure if it's for me. Though I am currently attempting to write a book myself, and "like listening to someone who talks too much try and explain a dream they had" sounds an awful lot like my writing style. lol.